District Tourism Development Officer and Nodal Officer for Heli-Services, Rahul Choubey, told this daily, “A helicopter, taking off from its Badasoo base for Shri Kedarnath Dham with five passengers on board, developed a technical snag during its ascent. The pilot, sensing the fault, spotted a clear road nearby and executed an emergency landing.”He further reassured the public and pilgrims that the incident has not impacted the ongoing heli-shuttle services to the revered shrine. “The incident has had no effect on the heli-shuttle service,” he confirmed.The incident highlights risks due to treacherous terrain and adverse weather. The region has seen several accidents in 14 years, resulting in significant loss of life.In May, a chopper en route from Sirsi to Kedarnath made an emergency landing just short of helipad. All six occupants escaped unharmed.In April 2023, UCAADA Finance GM Amit Saini was fatally struck by helicopter tail rotor at Kedarnath Dham. Prior to it, a helicopter carrying five pilgrims to Kedarnath from Guptkashi made emergency landing on October 2. No casualties were reported in the incident.However, seven people, including the pilot, were killed when a chopper flying from Kedarnath crashed after Garudchatti in October 2022.
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